The Student Loans Company (SLC) is reminding new full-time
undergraduate students in England to apply now for students
finance, ahead of the application deadline on 16 May 2025.
Applying before the deadline is the best way to ensure that
funding is in place for the start of the 25/26 academic year.
Last year, almost half (45%*) of new applications were received
after the deadline and SLC has released statistics that highlight
the difference between the regions.
Students in London had the highest proportion of late
applications at 57%, while the West Midlands came in second place
at 48%, followed by the East of England and Yorkshire and the
Humber at 41%. The South West had the least number of late
applications, with a third (33%) being submitted after the
deadline.
Throughout the 24/25 academic year SLC paid over £23billion in
student funding. £5billion of which was paid out in first
term maintenance and tuition fee payments after confirmation from
universities and colleges that students had registered and were
attending their courses. For the upcoming 25/26 academic year,
SLC has already received over 630,000 submitted applications with
more than 450, 000 in the ‘ready to pay' status.
But as it can take six to eight weeks to process an application,
in line with the student finance regulations, , Director of Customer
Experience at SLC, is encouraging new students to apply now. He
said:
“We know that preparing for university is an exciting and busy
time for all students, especially those starting their course for
the first time and getting your student finance application
sorted early is one less thing to worry about.
“We received almost half of applications after the deadline last
year, and with around 1.5million applications every year,
applying early means your funding is much more likely to be ready
for the start of term and gives you peace of mind over the summer
months.”
Students can apply without a confirmed place at university, as
course details can be updated later and their application can be
completed entirely online with no need to contact SLC. They
should only send or upload evidence through their online account
if they are specifically asked to, which also helps to avoid any
delays to their application being processed.
At this busy time of year, SLC's customer service teams are
focused on processing applications to ensure customers have their
funding at the start of term. Customers who have recently applied
for student finance are advised that there is no need to get in
touch with SLC unless asked to do so. Applications can take
around six to eight weeks to be processed and during that time,
customers can track their application online and monitor their
account for any updates and SLC will let them know if there's
anything further they need to do.
If students do have queries about their application, they will
find help and support available within their online account that
will provide answers to their application. SLC's Live Chat
service is also available through the online account, for quick
and easy support.
SLC top tips for Student's to get their funding is
in place on time.
- Apply now even if you don't have a confirmed course or
university place
- Applications can be completed and tracked online without any
need to contact SLC
- Send evidence or supporting information only if you are asked
to
- Use ‘Common Questions' and SLC's Virtual Assistant for
answers to your questions. If you require further help, you can
Live Chat through your online account
- Have your National Insurance Number, passport details, and
bank account information ready when making your application
- Students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan to cover fees and a
Maintenance Loan to help with other costs. Students applying for
a higher maintenance loan will also need their parents or partner
to support their application online before the deadline. You
should make sure you have your parents or partner's correct
e-mail addresses when you apply so that they receive the invite
to support your application.
- Full information can and guidance can be found is available:
https://studentfinance.campaign.gov.uk
Returning students are also reminded to reapply for students
finance before the deadline of 20th June 2025.
